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about us

Byrdie Funk (RPC, CDWF)

Byrdie has a huge love for people and the stories they carry within them. In her own life journey, she has seen the power of shame, resilience and vulnerability and their impact on her story. The work of Dr. Brené Brown resonates strongly with Byrdie, and having become a Certified Daring WayTM Facilitator in 2012 she is excited to help others live their best lives by sharing the concepts of vulnerability, empathy, courage, connection, and compassion. She is also passionate about the freedom to be found by inviting God to journey with us as we walk along the path of building shame resilience and write new chapters in our stories.

Byrdie has the honour of being a wife to a stand-up guy and “dog-mom” to Charli. She can often be found enjoying tasty food, sipping good coffee, spending time in the awe-inspiring outdoors, hanging out with friends and family, enjoying a good book, and expressing her creative soul!

Heather Kennedy (RYT-200, DVM)

Heather loves connecting with people and seeing them live their best lives. She fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian in 2004, but after a time began to realize that her work was impacting her life in a very unhealthy way. During that season of confusion and change, she found great strength in her faith, a place of quiet peace and solitude on her yoga mat, and practical life-altering wisdom in the writings of Brené Brown. She became a Registered Yoga Teacher in January 2016, and in her classes loves to combine movement and breath with encouragement, wisdom, play, and the opportunity for deep connection with God.

Heather is seriously in love with her husband and their wonder-dog, Lucy. She loves to play in the outdoors on two wheels, in trail running shoes, and on skinny skis, especially with friends to share in the fun. Backcountry hikes and canoe trips make her heart smile hugely, as do deep conversations, excellent coffee and good food. She continues to marvel at the loving and tender way in which God is guiding her through life.

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Our ethos

We’re passionate about the power of connection, faith, and personal growth in our lives. We believe that our soul is meant to be nourished, fed and restored. THAT WE WERE MADE TO LIVE IN TRUE FREEDOM. We’re so excited to share our passion with you!

connection

We believe that connection matters. To others, to oneself, to God. We were created for it, and with it, we thrive. Brené Brown defines connection as "the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” A weekend spent in retreat with us is designed to grow and nourish connection in your life.

wholehearted living

We believe that living a rich life means living with your whole heart: living in courage, compassion, connection, gratitude, joy, and faith. Practicing vulnerability and being gentle with yourself and others. Being secure in your identity and accepting yourself and your story. Rising when you fall. While living wholeheartedly isn't always easy, we can honestly say that we do our best, embrace grace, and have experienced enrichment in our lives because of it. We are here to support you in your journey!

personal growth

We believe that personal growth is always time well spent. Sometimes, the best things in life take a little work. Diving deep into life by committing to personal growth can be challenging, but is always worth it. We seek to support you in that process (as we continue in our own growth!) by listening, teaching, encouraging, and providing practical tools to apply in your daily life. Our hope is that you leave a weekend spent in retreat with us equipped with a new way to interact with yourself and the world around you.

LIVING IN FREEDOM

We believe that we were created to live in true freedom. The Word has much to say about living in the freedom of Christ and yet it seems that so many of us are living bound by our shame. Why is this? How can it be?

We believe that if we invite God into this growth journey with us, we will become more and more who we were truly created to be. As we learn about shame and how it shows up in our everyday walking around lives; as we gain the tools we need to build shame resilience; when we learn that our story is God's story and invite God into our learning process, THIS is where freedom takes root and becomes a beautiful way of living.

a thread of faith

We believe that God is love. That he is always on our side and cheers for us as we journey through this thing called life. A thread of faith is woven through our lives, and we wouldn't be who we are without it. Our hope is that as faith is woven through a retreat weekend with us, you would experience God's love and grace in your journey.

SoUL CARE

We believe that our soul, that deepest part of our being, needs restoration, nourishment, and care. And that caring for the soul also requires caring for the body and mind. The three are inextricably linked. We seek to provide care for every part of you as we listen and teach together; as we move our bodies and fill them with life-giving breath; as we share in story and healing; as we spend time in the beauty of creation; and as we gather in community around nourishing food.

Our soul is like a stream of water, which gives strength, direction, and harmony to every other area of our life. When that stream is as it should be, we are constantly refreshed and exuberant in all we do, because our soul itself is then profusely rooted in the vastness of God and his kingdom, including nature; and all else within us is enlivened and directed by that stream.

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RETREAT OFFERINGS

bowen island retreat

Join us from October 27-29, 2017 at the beautiful Nectar Yoga B&B on Bowen Island. A perfect natural setting to restore, unwind, learn, connect with yourself and others, and find nourishment for your soul. You will experience personal growth as you learn a new way to interact with yourself and the world around you. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings and ocean access, unwind in the Finnish sauna, and find quiet space on wooded trails. Your investment for the weekend is $850 (tax included; deposit due upon booking). Enjoy the following offerings:

"Rising strong" in your own life

Dive deep into the practice of wholehearted living by learning to apply the work of Dr. Brené Brown in your own life. As Byrdie leads you through daily growth sessions based on the "Rising Strong" curriculum in a small group setting, you will experience the opportunity to reflect, connect with yourself and others, and process those truths which resonate deeply with you.

BEAUTIFUL ACCOMMODATION

Bowen Island is a short ferry ride from the mainland, but arrival on the island instantly makes you feel as if you've hit the pause button on life. Nestled among beautiful trees and a short walk from the ocean, Nectar Yoga B&B offers a beautiful setting in which to rest, grow, and restore. Unwind in the Finnish sauna, walk on nearby trails, or allow the sound of ocean waves to rejuvenate you. Accommodation is shared (2 guests per sleeping area).

daily yoga sessions

Come to your mat twice daily in the amazing yoga dome to find movement, release, playfulness and stillness. Appropriate for all levels and all bodies, sessions led by Heather will leave you rejuvenated. In addition to breath work, meditation and traditional hatha and yin yoga poses, Heather will weave a thread of faith through each session.

NOURISHING VEGETARIAN MEALS

Nourishing the soul also includes nourishing the body! Your weekend includes five delicious vegetarian meals enjoyed in community with one another. We are happy to accommodate special dietary needs or preferences upon request.

We will enjoy dinner on Saturday evening at one of the restaurants in Snug Cove, for a chance to enjoy more of what the island has to offer.

this weekend is about YOU

This weekend is about YOU. About owning and embracing your story. Our hope is that you will receive just what your soul needs. That you will be filled during our time together and upon your return home. We want you to feel free to hit the pause button and find quiet space for yourself if your soul is craving that during our time together. To join in all actives on offer or to take a break if you need to. To feel loved, supported and nourished. To be yourself on the inside and outside!

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your story

We all have one. The story of our lives - so far. Our stories are part of us, but do not define us. They are not our identity. But often, we aren't sure how to move forward in our story. To move past the challenging bits, the tears, and the impact of shame on our everyday lives into a new place of living in freedom and owning our stories.

WHat's your story?

WHAT CAN IT CHANGE INTO?

LIVING IN FREEDOM

JOY

KINDNESS TO SELF

CONNECTION

WHOLEHEARTED

LIVING

COURAGE

SOUL CARE

“When we deny our stories, THEY OWN US. When we own our stories, WE GET TO WRITE A BRAVE NEW ENDING.”

— BRENE BROWN

Are you ready to write a new ending to your story?

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CONTACT US

We would LOVE to connect with you! To answer your questions, to get to know more about you, and to help you get to know us. If you would like to book your retreat weekend, please drop us a line so we can connect and make it happen! We look forward to meeting you!